The U.S. Senate race between Democrat Jack Conway and Republican Rand Paul was the main attraction at the 130th Fancy Farm Picnic in Graves County on Aug. 7. The political speaking began after a lunch of barbecued pork and mutton, fresh vegetables and homemade pies made by St. Jerome Parish.

Members of The Appalachian Association of Sacred Harp Singers gathered April 11 at UK’s Niles Gallery to sing shape-note hymns from mid-19th century tune books such as Southern Harmony and Musical Companion and The Sacred Harp. Here they sing Wayfaring Stranger from The Sacred Harp. Photos by Tom Eblen | Staff

Some of the bands that competed in the finals of the Kentucky High School Marching Band Championships in Louisville on Nov. 8. Bands include: Bourbon County, Boyle County, Russell County, Adair County, Mercer County, Madisonville-North Hopkins, Madison Central, Lafayette, North Hardin and Dunbar.

The Kentucky State Fair opened in Louisville on Aug. 20 and will run through Aug. 30. For 11 days, Kentucky’s biggest city becomes the capital of rural Kentucky, with livestock shows and competitions from everything from quilts and antiques to hay and ale. It’s where Kentucky products are marketed and improved, and a place where the next generation of Kentucky farmers shows what it can do. Photographs by Tom Eblen